ˈsaɪfən n. & v. (also syphon) --n. 1 a
pipe or
tube shaped like an inverted V or U
with unequal legs to
convey a
liquid from a
container to a lower
level by atmospheric
pressure. 2 (in full siphon-bottle) an aerated-water
bottle from
which liquid is forced
out through a tube by
the pressure of
gas. 3 Zool. a a
canal or
conduit esp. in cephalopods. b the sucking-tube of
some insects etc. --v.tr. & intr. (often foll. by off) 1
conduct or
flow through a siphon. 2
divert or set
aside (funds etc.). øøsiphonage n. siphonal adj. siphonic adj. [F siphon or L sipho -onis f. Gk siphon pipe]